From Lisa Katayama @ io9 (Technofobiac Sci Fi). Who said nature has to be pristine and untouched by technology? The Orquideorama is a giant steel-and-wood structure recently built in the middle of a more traditional botanical garden in Medellin, Colombia. It consists of a series of modular, honeycomb-like “flower-tree” structures. The hexagonal “flowers” actually serve an important function—they collect rainwater and distribute it evenly to the flora beneath. This beautiful, functional structure could become a common substitute for antiquated greenhouses. Image by Sergio Gomez [Inhabitat]
On 2008/04/05, In Culture, By Albeiro Rodas
On 2008/02/12, In Culture, By Albeiro Rodas
GIRARDOT, Colombia (AP) – Forget steel and concrete. The building material of choice for the 21st century might just be bamboo. This hollow-stemmed grass isn’t just for flimsy tropical huts any more – it’s getting outsized attention in the world of serious architecture. From Hawaii to Vietnam, it’s used to build everything from luxury homes and holiday resorts to churches and bridges.
Boosters call it “vegetal steel,” with clear environmental appeal. Lighter than steel but five times stronger than concrete, bamboo is native to every continent except Europe and Antarctica. (more…)
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